Legislation

The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA) requires municipalities that have a population over 10,000 to establish a local Accessibility Advisory Committee. The majority of the members must be people with disabilities.

Accessibility Advisory Committee

The Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC) advises and assists Council and staff in promoting and facilitating accessible City goods, services and facilities. This is achieved through the review of municipal policies, programs and services and the identification, removal and prevention of barriers faced by people with disabilities. The Committee also oversees the utilization of the City’s Access Fund through a formal application and reporting process.

The AAC advises on the City’s municipal service responsibilities such as site plan reviews, access plans, and Access Fund requests. The AAC also advises staff and City Council on accessibility issues related to City-owned facilities and services, the implementation of the accessibility standards and the preparation of accessibility reports. The members of the AAC were appointed by City Council following an application process similar to that of other City Advisory Committees. The majority of members are people with disabilities.

The AAC has established two sub-committees to deal specifically with matters pertaining to the Built Environment and Transportation.

Built Environment Sub-Committee

The Built Environment Sub-Committee is responsible for reviewing relevant City projects and site plans to promote compliance with the AODA legislation regarding barrier-free accessible buildings. Recommendations arising out of this review process are conveyed to project managers, and potential developers and builders, through City staff in various departments including, Planning and Development Services, Utility Services, and Community Services.

Transportation Sub-Committee

The Transportation Sub-Committee advises Peterborough Transit and the City’s service delivery partners on transportation issues and how to further enable barrier-free access in the City of Peterborough. The Sub-Committee advises on issues regarding all types of transportation for people with disabilities and the provision of safe, barrier-free sidewalks, including appropriate curb cuts and safe crosswalks. It also monitors municipal parking, ensuring that parking areas are adequate and accessible, and advises on road and trail infrastructure projects and the implementation of technologies for the transportation system such as, audible traffic signals, bus hailing kits, low entry transit buses, booking systems, and more. Input from the Sub-Committee helps to ensure that accessibility is effectively incorporated into projects and initiatives pertaining to all aspects of transportation in Peterborough.

2012 to 2016 Accessibility Plan

The City's 2012 to 2016 Accessibility Plan outlines the City's strategy to prevent and remove barriers over a 5 year period. It describes the specific actions the City will take to meet our accessibility goals and is used as the road map to increase accessibility. The plan specifically outlines the City's strategy to meet the requirements of Regulation 191/11, Integrated Accessibility Standards.